Timothy Fosu-Mensah – Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have enjoyed some rest and recovery over the past week as the Premier League took a break in lieu of FA Cup action. The Eagles were knocked out by Brighton & Hove Albion in early January.

Fosu-Mensah has seen his team struggle of late in the Premier League, as they are without a win in four games. However, the defender’s form has been noted this season. A recent CIES Football Observatory report has placed Fosu-Mensah 32^nd of 50 most promising prospects.

Andreas Pereira – Valencia CF

Pereira is still suffering from his injury suffered at the start of the month against Barcelona in the Copa Del Ray. He is still working with the Valencia medical team to recover. Thankfully, the injury isn’t too serious, so we should see the midfielder back on the pitch soon.

Valencia won their last game away at Malaga 2-1, with Dani Perejo scoring five minutes before time.

Sam Johnstone – Aston Villa

Sam Johnstone conceded twice as Aston Villa lost 2-0 against Fulham at Craven Cottage. The shot-stopper has been in tremendous form, but he will be disappointed in the way he conceded the second goal. Taking a free-kick in his own half, Johnstone misjudged the long ball, which fell to the feet of Floyd Ayite, who converted from the halfway line into an open goal.

Barring the mistake, the Villa number one had some vital stops to keep his side in the game, who struggled to cope with the hosts aggressive attacking style of play.

Aston Villa also had to contend with a midweek game against Preston North End at Villa Park, ending in a 1-1 draw. The visitors took the lead in the first-half after Johnstone’s punched clearance was hooked back towards goal, and the scrambling keeper could only help it on its way into the net. Steve Bruce’s side equalized through a penalty midway through the second-half to rescue a point.

The result drops Villa out of the automatic promotion spot and into third. Their next opponent is a trip to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

Axel Tuanzebe – Aston Villa

Tuanzebe was handed his first start for Aston Villa in the 2-0 away defeat to Fulham. Although the result didn’t flatter the defender, Tuanzebe was Villa’s stand out performer. He was dominant in the air, covered ground with explosive speed, and made some important last ditch tackles to prevent any more opportunities.

His excellent showing has put him in good stead for Steve Bruce to select him in his starting XI on Saturday against Sheffield Wednesday.

James Wilson – Sheffield United

Wilson’s time in the treatment room has hit once more as the striker injured his ankle in the FA Cup loss at Leicester City. Wilson was named as the starting forward for the Blades against the Premier League opposition. However, he lasted only 45 minutes before being replaced.

Manager Chris Wilder did reveal that the substitution was a precautionary one ahead of the midweek game against Queens Park Rangers, but Wilson did not feature in the squad for that game. Sheffield United have another quick turnaround, as they travel to Hull City on Friday evening.

Demetri Mitchell – Hearts

Mitchell and Hearts travelled to Ross County last weekend as they returned to Scottish Premiership action. The game ended in a 1-1 draw in a disappointing result against the team at the foot of the table.

Mitchell’s impressive displays of late has set a high standard, one that he did not quite meet in this away fixture. Nevertheless, it was a solid performance and the plaudits keep flowing in for the versatile speedster.

Hearts manager Craig Levein hoisted ultimate praise upon the youngster.

“In all seriousness, of all the loan deals I have ever done, he has been the most impressive,” He told The Scottish Sun.

“That is a bit of a statement but I think it is fairly accurate. He hasn’t had a poor match since he has been here.”

Mitchell will look to continue his fine form when Hearts travel to Rangers this Saturday.

Dean Henderson – Shrewsbury Town

Henderson played 90 minutes in Shrewsbury Town’s 1-0 home defeat to Rotherham United. The visitors unleashed a barrage of long balls from set-pieces throughout the game, which is how they got their solitary goal. The initial corner was cleared before being launched back into the box; Shrewsbury failed to clear and the ball was poked past Henderson.

The shot-stopper was back in action on Tuesday night when Shrewsbury welcomed Gillingham to New Meadow stadium. Paul Hurst’s side took the lead early on and remained in control of the game until the last 10 minutes. Gillingham’s Mark Byrne left the young keeper with no chance as he found the top corner from a tight angle.

Henderson will look to return to winning ways when Shrewsbury Town travel south to Charlton Athletic this weekend.

Matty Willock – St. Johnstone

Matty Willock came off the bench in St. Johnstone’s goalless away draw at league leaders Celtic. It was a hard-earned point for The Saints, who had their goalkeeper to thank for making a series of impressive stops.

Willock will hope to get back into the starting line-up when St. Johnstone host bottom of the table Ross County on Saturday.

Regan Poole – Northampton Town

Poole has still not featured for Northampton Town since our last report. He still remains with the club, recently participating in charitable work, suggesting a possible injury.